5R framework on reflection
The 5R framework on reflection was developed by the Bain et al (2002) to reflect on the
experience of students and teachers. The 5R in the framework represents Reporting,
Responding, Relating, Reasoning, and Reconstructing through which a person reflects his
experience. A brief of all 5 Rs are as followed.
Reporting
Reporting is the first stage where5R framework which highlights the situational context on
which the reflection is supposed to be made. Here, it is ensured that the situation is presented
accurately without any pre-assumption or biasness. A through and descriptive account of the
situation is presented here. Some of the assisting questions are as follows:
What was happened?
When was happened?
Where was happened?
Who were involved in such situation?
What were their contribution to such situation?
Do any other aspects involved in the situation need to be highlighted?
It is ensured that answers of these questions should be factual and relevant. By answering
these questions, we able to describe the situation more precisely and accurately on which we
need to made our reflection.
Responding
The second R is responding where the responses to the given situation are made. The feelings
and reactions against the given situation is actually recorded here and hence, it involves
observations, feelings and thoughts. So, basically this R deals with the emotional aspect of
the situation we need to reflect upon. Some of the major questions that can be asked are as
follows:
How did you feel by experiencing such situation?
What actions exactly made you feel the way you felt?
What this situation made you learn?
Such questions help to understand the whole situation by personal learning and experience.
Relating
The third R of 5R framework is relating. Here, the knowledge and insights got from the
situation is related to the past knowledge and similar kind of experience. Any similarity or
contrasting factor is figured out. So, basically, here the learning and experience from the
current situation is tried to relate with the personal and/or professional experience and skills,
knowledge or understanding. Some of the assisting questions are as follows:
Have we experienced similar kind of situation earlier?
If yes, what are the similarities and differences in earlier and current experience?
Is there any missing aspect of the situation that is not considered in respect of similar
type of earlier situation?
Such questions help to connect the current situation with the knowledge, skills, experience
and understanding.
Reasoning
It is the fourth R of the framework where we try to connect all the explained dots and
instances with proper reasoning. All possible causes and underlying factors are explored and
it is tried to ensure whether the factors led to the situation in the way it was supposed to do.
Few of the questions can be helpful in this regard:
How does an existing theory is related to the situation?
Is there any better theory to handle the situation more precisely and efficiently?
How can different perspective can affect the way of our thinking about the situation?
Such questions help to understand the situation more precisely on the basis of reasoned
arguments. Some new way of handling the situation arises. A wide perspective helps to find
the solution more effective and sustainable.
Reconstructing
It is the fifth and last R of the framework. In this section, a conclusion is drawn about the
learning and experience of the situation. By considering all the learnings and observations, a
future plan is prepared to face the similar situation effectively and successfully. A possible set
of course of action is prepared for future. Some assisting questions are as follows:
What we have learnt from the situation?
How the learning of this situation would help me to react against any similar situation
in future?
If similar situation arises in the future, what should be the appropriate strategy to
handle the situation successfully?
These question helps to formulate the complete strategy or action plan for future. it will lead
to minimize the loss and correct the wrongs quicky and effectively.
